JP2005216117A - Information processing system and method, information processor and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further reduce the power consumption of an information processor installed with a USB (universal serial bus) peripheral device. <P>SOLUTION: The portable information processor 3 transmits, when it determines that the own state is in a using state (step S24 (NO)) and that the communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is unnecessary (step S25 (NO)), an instruction for transferring the state of the peripheral device 2 to a use stopping state (suspend command) to the peripheral device 2. The peripheral device 2 performs, on receipt of the suspend command (step 62 (YES)), switching from a general state to the suspend mode. Further, the processor 3 sets the voltage to the peripheral device 2 to 0[V]. Namely, the power supply from the processor 3 to the peripheral device 2 is intercepted. This invention is applicable to an information processing system performing data communication by USB. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system and method, an information processing device and method, and a program, and in particular, information processing that can reduce power consumption of an information processing device equipped with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) peripheral device. The present invention relates to a system and method, an information processing device and method, and a program.

  Recent information processing apparatuses are often configured so that various expansion apparatuses can be attached thereto.

  As such an expansion device, for example, a flash memory card is known.

  As one of such expansion devices, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose an expansion device (hereinafter referred to as a USB peripheral device) that performs communication using USB (Universal Serial Bus). Yes.

  The power used by such an expansion device is often supplied from an information processing device to which the expansion device is connected. At this time, the voltage of power supplied to the USB peripheral device is often determined in advance according to the type (standard) of the expansion device.

  Therefore, the power consumption of the information processing device depends on the type (standard) of the expansion device connected thereto.

JP 2002-195160 A JP 2000-284687 A JP 2000-227787 A

  For this reason, an expansion device that operates at a higher voltage than other types (standards) of expansion devices (for example, the above-described flash memory card, etc.), for example, a USB peripheral device in which 5 [V] is specified as the operating voltage. When mounted on the information processing apparatus, there is a problem that the power consumption of the information processing apparatus increases. To be precise, the operating voltage specified in the USB standard is a voltage range of 4.5 to 5.5 [V] (hereinafter, specifically referred to as a USB voltage range in order to be distinguished from other voltage ranges).

  This problem becomes more prominent when a USB peripheral device is attached to a portable information processing terminal. That is, the power source of the portable information processing terminal is often a battery, and as a result of the occurrence of this problem, there arises a problem that the life of the battery is shortened. However, in the case of a rechargeable battery such as a battery, the life of the battery refers to the time when the output voltage drops below the specified voltage after recharging.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for reducing the quality of the functional operation only when the amount of power supply to the USB peripheral device continues to increase and approaches the maximum amount of bus current lines. Yes. By applying this method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the power consumption of the information processing apparatus is reduced to some extent.

  Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 disclose a power saving technique when the information processing apparatus (main body) side stops using (sleeping or the like).

  As described above, the above-described problems can be solved to some extent by applying the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

  However, only the power saving effect by the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 (even if these methods are combined), when a USB peripheral device is attached to a portable information processing terminal, It is hard to say that the problem of shortening the service life can be solved sufficiently. That is, in order to sufficiently solve such problems, further power saving of the portable information processing terminal is required. However, only the power saving effect by the existing methods such as the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 is required. This is a state in which the request cannot be fully met.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to further reduce the power consumption of an information processing apparatus equipped with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) peripheral device.

  An information processing system of the present invention is an information processing system in which an information processing device and its expansion device are connected to each other by USB (Universal Serial Bus), and the information processing device is connected to an expansion device connected by USB First communication means for performing communication, power supply means for supplying power to an expansion device connected via USB, and determining whether communication with the expansion device by the first communication means is necessary When the state of the determination unit and the information processing device itself transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or the state of the information processing device itself is the use state, and the expansion unit by the first communication unit by the determination unit A first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to a disabled state and a second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device when it is determined that communication with the expansion device is unnecessary. At least one of them A second communication means for communicating with the information processing apparatus connected via USB using the power supplied from the power supply means of the information processing apparatus; And transition means for transitioning the state of the expansion device to the use stop state based on the first control of the control means of the processing device.

  An information processing method for an information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing method for an information processing system in which an information processing device and its expansion device are connected to each other via USB. Specifically, in the information processing method of the information processing system according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus has a first communication means for communicating with the expansion apparatus connected by USB, and power for the expansion apparatus connected by USB. And a second communication means for communicating with the information processing apparatus connected by USB using the power supplied from the power supply means of the information processing apparatus. An information processing method comprising: a determination step for determining whether or not the information processing device needs to communicate with the expansion device by the first communication means; and the information processing device uses its own state When transitioning from a state to a use stop state, or when it is determined that communication with the expansion device by the first communication means is unnecessary by the process of the determination step when the own state is the use state Use expansion unit state A control step for executing at least one of a first control for transitioning to a stop state and a second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device; And a transition step of transitioning the own state to the use stop state based on the first control executed by the process of the control step.

  In the information processing system and method of the present invention, the information processing apparatus and the expansion apparatus are connected to each other by USB, and power is supplied from the information processing apparatus to the expansion apparatus via the USB. Communication with is performed by USB. At that time, when the information processing device changes its own state from the use state to the use stop state, or when its own state is the use state and communication with the expansion device via USB is unnecessary. When it is determined that there is, at least one of the first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to the disabled state and the second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device is executed. Is done. And when 1st control is performed, the state of an expansion apparatus is changed to a use stop state.

  A first information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus having a USB host function, and communication means for communicating with an expansion device connected by USB, and power to the expansion device connected by USB The power supply means for supplying the information, the determination means for determining whether or not communication with the expansion device by the communication means is necessary, and when the state of the information processing apparatus itself transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or When the state of the information processing apparatus itself is a use state and the determination unit determines that communication with the expansion device by the communication unit is unnecessary, the first state of transitioning the state of the expansion device to the use stop state And a control means for executing at least one of the second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device.

  When the information processing device itself is released from the use suspension state, or when the information processing device itself is already in use, the control means needs to communicate with the expansion device by the communication means by the judging means. When the determination is made, it is possible to further execute a third control for shifting the state of the expansion device to the use state and a fourth control for permitting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device. .

  When the communication means communicates with the expansion device, the storage means for storing data transferred from the expansion device to the information processing apparatus itself is further provided. When all the necessary data is stored in the storage means, the communication means It is determined that communication with the expansion device is unnecessary, and when at least a part of the data necessary for the storage unit is not yet stored, it is determined that communication with the expansion device by the communication unit is necessary. can do.

  In the first information processing device of the present invention, the expansion device is connected by USB, power is supplied from the first information processing device to the expansion device via USB, the first information processing device and the expansion device, Communication between the two is performed by USB. At that time, when the first information processing device changes its own state from the use state to the use stop state, or when its own state is the use state and communication with the expansion device via USB. Is determined to be unnecessary, at least one of the first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to the disabled state and the second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device One is executed.

  The first information processing method of the present invention has a USB host function, a communication means for communicating with an expansion device connected by USB, and a power supply for supplying power to the expansion device connected by USB An information processing method for an information processing apparatus comprising: a determination step for determining whether or not communication with an expansion device by a communication means is necessary; The state of the expansion device is used when the information processing device itself is in use and when it is determined in the processing of the determination step that communication with the expansion device is not required by the communication means. And a control step of executing at least one of a first control for transitioning to a stop state and a second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device.

  The first program of the present invention has a USB host function and communicates with an expansion device connected via USB, and a power supply means for supplying power to the expansion device connected via USB A program that is executed by a computer that controls the main device, the determination step for determining whether communication with the expansion device by the communication means is necessary, and the state of the main device is changed from the use state to the use stop state When the transition is made, or when the main device is in a use state and it is determined in the process of the determination step that the communication means does not need to communicate with the expansion device, the state of the expansion device is set to a use stop state. And a control step of causing the main device to execute at least one of the first control to be transited and the second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device.

  In the first information processing method and the first program of the present invention, a communication means having a USB host function and communicating with an expansion device connected by USB, and an expansion device connected by USB An information processing apparatus (or main apparatus) including power supply means for supplying power is controlled. Specifically, when the state of the information processing device (or the first information processing device) transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or when the information processing device itself is in the use state and the communication device expands A first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to a disabled state and a second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device when it is determined that communication with the expansion device is unnecessary. At least one of them is executed by the information processing apparatus (or main apparatus).

  A second information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus connected as an expansion apparatus to another information processing apparatus having a USB host function, and the other information processing apparatus connected by USB Communication means that communicates with other information processing devices using the power supplied from and when the state of the other information processing devices transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or other information processing Suspend the state of the information processing device itself based on the control executed by another information processing device when it is determined that the device is in use and communication with the information processing device itself is unnecessary Transition means for transitioning to a state.

  The transition means further requires communication with the information processing apparatus itself when the use suspension state of the other information processing apparatus is released or when the other information processing apparatus is already in use. Based on the control executed by the other information processing apparatus when it is determined that the information processing apparatus itself is in the use state, the state of the information processing apparatus itself can be changed to the use state.

  In the second information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the power supplied from another information processing apparatus (other information processing apparatus having a USB host function) connected by USB is used to Communication is performed. At that time, when the state of the other information processing apparatus transitions from the use state to the use suspension state, or the other information processing apparatus is in the use state, and communication with the information processing apparatus itself is unnecessary. Based on the control executed by the other information processing apparatus when it is determined that, the state of the information processing apparatus itself transitions to the use stop state.

  The second information processing method of the present invention is connected to another information processing apparatus having a USB host function via USB, and uses the power supplied from the other information processing apparatus via the USB to provide other information. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus that communicates with a processing apparatus via USB, and is used when the state of another information processing apparatus transitions from a use state to a use stop state or by another information processing apparatus The information processing apparatus itself transitions to the disabled state based on the control executed by the other information processing apparatus when it is determined that communication with the information processing apparatus itself is unnecessary. Including a transition step.

The second program of the present invention is an extension that is connected to a main device having a USB host function via USB and uses the power supplied from the main device via USB to communicate with the main device via USB. It is a program for controlling the device, and it is determined that the state of the main device transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or that the main device is in the use state and communication with the expansion device is unnecessary. And a transition step of transitioning the state of the expansion device to the use-disabled state based on the control executed by the main device.

  In the second information processing method and the second program of the present invention, connected to another information processing apparatus (or main apparatus) having a USB host function via USB, and from the other information processing apparatus (or main apparatus). An information processing device (or an expansion device) that communicates with another information processing device (or main device) via USB is controlled using the power supplied via USB. Specifically, when the state of the other information processing device (or main device) transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or the other information processing device (or main device) is in the use state, and The state of the information processing device (or expansion device) based on the control executed by another information processing device (or main device) when it is determined that communication with the information processing device (or expansion device) is unnecessary. Is transitioned to a disabled state.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an information processing apparatus that can be connected to a USB peripheral device can be provided. In particular, the power consumption of the information processing apparatus when a USB peripheral device is connected can be reduced.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between constituent elements described in the claims and specific examples in the embodiments of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that specific examples supporting the invention described in the claims are described in the embodiments of the invention. Therefore, even if there are specific examples that are described in the embodiment of the invention but are not described here as corresponding to the configuration requirements, the specific examples are not included in the configuration. It does not mean that it does not correspond to a requirement. On the contrary, even if a specific example is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, this means that the specific example does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. not.

  Further, this description does not mean that all the inventions corresponding to the specific examples described in the embodiments of the invention are described in the claims. In other words, this description is an invention corresponding to the specific example described in the embodiment of the invention, and the existence of an invention not described in the claims of this application, that is, in the future, a divisional application will be made. Nor does it deny the existence of an invention added by amendment.

  According to the present invention, an information processing system is provided. This information processing system (for example, the information processing system of FIG. 1) includes an information processing device (for example, the portable information processing device 3 of FIGS. 1 and 4) and its expansion device (for example, the USB peripherals of FIGS. 1 and 3). The apparatus 2) is an information processing system connected to each other by USB (Universal Serial Bus) (for example, connected to each other via the USB interface 21 and the USB interface 31 in FIG. 1). The device communicates with the first communication means (for example, the USB interface 31 and the USB communication control unit 101 in FIG. 4) that communicates with the expansion device connected with the USB, and with the expansion device connected with the USB. The power supply means for supplying power (for example, the power supply unit 109 in FIG. 4) and the determination means for determining whether communication with the expansion device by the first communication means is required (for example, FIG. Step S2 of 7 4 that executes the determination process 5) and when the state of the information processing apparatus itself transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or the state of the information processing apparatus itself is the use state. And when the determination unit determines that communication with the expansion device by the first communication unit is unnecessary, the first control causes the state of the expansion device to transition to a use stop state; Control means for executing at least one of the second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device (for example, steps S31 to S33 in FIG. 7, or steps S36 in FIG. 8, 4 that executes the process of S37, and the expansion device uses the power supplied from the power supply means of the information processing device, and is connected with the USB. 2nd communication means (for example, the USB interface 21 of FIG. 3 and the control part 81 of FIG. 3 which performs the process of FIG.9 S67) which communicates with an information processing apparatus, and the said control of the said information processing apparatus Based on the first control of the means, the transition means (for example, the control of FIG. 3 for executing the process of step S63 of FIG. 9) for transitioning the state of the expansion device to a use stop state (for example, a suspend mode described later) Unit 81. Note that the transition to the use stop state includes a transition from the use stop state to the use stop state, that is, holding of the use stop state).

  According to the present invention, an information processing method corresponding to the information processing system described above is provided.

  According to the present invention, a first information processing apparatus is provided. The first information processing apparatus (for example, the portable information processing apparatus 3 in FIGS. 1 and 4) is an information processing apparatus having a USB host function, and is an extension device (for example, FIG. 1 and the USB peripheral device 2 in FIG. 3) for supplying power to the communication means (for example, the USB interface 31 and the USB communication control unit 101 in FIG. 4) and the expansion device connected by the USB. Determination means for determining whether or not communication between the power supply means (for example, the power supply unit 109 in FIG. 4) and the expansion device by the communication means is necessary (for example, the determination process in step S25 in FIG. 7). 4 to be executed, and when the state of the information processing apparatus itself transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or the state of the information processing apparatus itself is the use state, and By the determination means, When it is determined that communication with the expansion device by the communication means is unnecessary, first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to a use stop state, and supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device Control means for executing at least one of the second control for prohibiting (for example, steps S31 to S33 in FIG. 7 or steps S36 and S37 in FIG. 8). ).

  In the first information processing apparatus, the control means may be configured such that the state of the information processing apparatus itself transitions from the use stop state to the use stop state, or the information processing apparatus itself is in the use state. And when the determination means determines that communication with the expansion device by the communication means is necessary, a third control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to a use state, and the power supply means And the fourth control for permitting the supply of power to the expansion device (for example, the processing of steps S26 to S27 in FIG. 7 or the steps S40 and S41 in FIG. 8). It should be noted that the transition to the use state includes a transition from the use state to the use state, that is, holding the use state. If the permission has already been subjected to, including its continued).

  In the first information processing apparatus, storage means (for example, SRAM 103 in FIG. 4) for storing data transferred from the expansion apparatus to the information processing apparatus itself by communication of the communication means with the expansion apparatus is provided. The determination unit determines that communication with the expansion device by the communication unit is unnecessary when all the necessary data is stored in the storage unit, and the data required in the storage unit If at least a part of them is not yet stored, it can be determined that communication with the expansion device by the communication means is necessary.

  According to the present invention, a first information processing method is provided. This first information processing method (for example, the method corresponding to the flowcharts in FIGS. 7 and 8) has a USB host function and is connected to the USB-connected expansion device (for example, the USB in FIGS. 1 and 3). The communication means (for example, the USB interface 31 and the USB communication control unit 101 in FIG. 4) that communicates with the peripheral device 2), and the power supply means (for example, the power supply means that supplies power to the expansion device connected by the USB) 4 is an information processing method of an information processing apparatus (for example, the portable information processing apparatus 3 in FIGS. 1 and 4), and communication with the expansion device is required by the communication unit. A determination step (for example, a determination process in step S25 of FIG. 7) and when the state of the information processing apparatus transitions from a use state to a use stop state, or the information processing apparatus itself The state of A first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to a use-disabled state when it is determined that communication with the expansion device by the communication means is unnecessary in the process of the determination step And a control step (for example, steps S31 to S33 in FIG. 7 or step in FIG. 8) that executes at least one of the second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device And processing of S36 and S37).

  According to the present invention, a first program is provided. This first program has a USB host function, and communicates with the expansion device (for example, the USB peripheral device 2 in FIGS. 1 and 3) connected by the USB (for example, the USB in FIG. 4). Interface 31 and USB communication control unit 101), and a main apparatus (for example, FIG. 4) including power supply means (for example, power supply unit 109 in FIG. 4) for supplying power to the expansion device connected by USB. 1 and a computer that controls the portable information processing device 3 in FIG. 4 (for example, a computer (not shown) included in the main control unit 102 in FIG. 4). It is a program corresponding to an information processing method. For example, the first program is stored in the built-in memory 110 of the main control unit 102 in FIG.

  According to the present invention, a second information processing apparatus is provided. This second information processing device (for example, the USB peripheral device 2 in FIGS. 1 and 3) is another information processing device having a USB host function (for example, the portable information processing device 3 in FIGS. 1 and 4). On the other hand, an information processing device connected as the expansion device, which communicates with the other information processing device using power supplied from the other information processing device connected via the USB. The communication means to perform (for example, the USB interface 21 in FIG. 3 and the control unit 81 in FIG. 3 that executes the processing in step S67 in FIG. 9) and the state of the other information processing apparatus transition from the use state to the use stop state. Or executed by the other information processing apparatus when it is determined that the other information processing apparatus is in the use state and communication with the information processing apparatus itself is unnecessary. Control (e.g. Based on the suspend command received in the process of S62, the transition unit (for example, the control unit 81 of FIG. 3 that executes the process of step S63 of FIG. 9) transitions the state of the information processing apparatus itself to the use stop state. Note that the transition to the use stop state includes a transition from the use stop state to the use stop state, that is, holding of the use stop state).

  In the second information processing apparatus, the transition means may further be used when the state of the other information processing apparatus transitions from the use suspension state to the use state, or already used by the other information processing apparatus. Control executed by the other information processing apparatus when it is determined that communication with the information processing apparatus itself is necessary (for example, received in the process of step S64 in FIG. 9) Based on the wake-up command), the state of the information processing apparatus itself is changed to a use state (for example, the process of step S65 in FIG. 9 is executed).

  According to the present invention, a second information processing method is provided. This second information processing method (for example, a method corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 9) is applied to another information processing device having a USB host function (for example, the portable information processing device 3 of FIGS. 1 and 4). An information processing apparatus that communicates with the other information processing apparatus via the USB by using power supplied via the USB from the other information processing apparatus (for example, FIG. 1 3 is an information processing method of the USB peripheral device 2) of FIG. 3 when the state of the other information processing device transitions from a use state to a use suspension state or when the state of the other information processing device is the use state. Control executed by the other information processing apparatus when it is determined that communication with the information processing apparatus itself is unnecessary (for example, received in the process of step S62 in FIG. 9) Based on suspend command) Transition step for transitioning the state of the information processing apparatus itself to the use stop state (for example, the process of step S63 in FIG. 10. Note that the transition to the use stop state is a transition from the use stop state to the use stop state, that is, Including the maintenance of the use stop state).

  According to the present invention, a second program is provided. The second program is connected to the main device having a USB host function (for example, the portable information processing device 3 in FIGS. 1 and 4) via the USB and supplied from the main device via the USB. A computer (for example, included in the control unit 81 in FIG. 3) that controls an expansion device (for example, the USB peripheral device 2 in FIGS. 1 and 3) that communicates with the main device via the USB by using power. This is a program to be executed by a computer (not shown) and corresponds to the above-described second information processing method of the present invention. This second program is stored in, for example, a built-in memory (not shown) of the control unit 81 in FIG.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an information processing system to which the present invention is applied, that is, an information processing system including an information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, white dotted arrows indicate the flow of power, and dotted arrows indicate the flow of information.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied includes an arbitrary number (one in the example of FIG. 1) of stationary information processing apparatuses 1 and an arbitrary number (in the example of FIG. One USB peripheral device 2 and an arbitrary number of portable information processing devices 3 (one in the example of FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the stationary information processing device 1, the USB peripheral device 2, and the portable information processing device 3 is provided with a USB interface 11, a USB interface 21, and a USB interface 31. It has been.

  That is, the USB peripheral device 2 and the stationary information processing device 1 can be connected to each other via the USB interface 21 and the USB interface 11. In this case, the power used by the USB peripheral device 2 is supplied from the stationary information processing device 1.

  The USB peripheral device 2 and the portable information processing device 3 can be connected to each other via the USB interface 21 and the USB interface 31. In this case, the power used by the USB peripheral device 2 is supplied from the portable information processing device 3.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the USB peripheral device 2 and the portable information processing device 3 are connected and communication between the portable information processing device 3 and the USB peripheral device 2 is executed, When the state of the information processing device 3 itself changes from the use state to the use stop state, or the state of the portable information processing device 3 itself is in the use state, and communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is not required. Is determined, the portable information processing device 3 executes at least one of the following first control and second control. The first control is control for changing the state of the USB peripheral device 2 to a use stop state (suspend mode described later). The second control is control for prohibiting power supply to the USB peripheral device 2.

  Thereby, even if the state of the portable information processing device 3 is in the use state, when communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is not required, the power supplied to the USB peripheral device 2 is the conventional power (USB peripheral device). 2 is less than or equal to the power when operating in the normal mode. That is, it is possible to achieve an effect of reducing power consumption on the portable information processing device 3 side.

  By the way, even when the conventional methods as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 described above are applied to a conventional portable information processing apparatus, as described above, it is possible to achieve a slight power saving effect. Become. However, when viewed from the battery that is the power source of the conventional portable information processing device, the conventional portable information processing device does not change the battery as long as it is in use. As a result, it cannot contribute much to the effect of extending the battery life.

  On the other hand, in the portable information processing device 3, as described above, even when the state is in use, the power supply to the USB peripheral device 2 is cut off when communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is not required. Therefore (or only a very small amount of power is supplied), the battery can be rested one after another without being continuously used when viewed from the battery (battery 111 in FIG. 4 described later) as the power source ( Intermittent operation is possible). As a result, the output voltage of the battery is restored when the user is resting, and accordingly, the life of the battery is extended from that of the conventional battery.

  The details of the operation of the information processing system to which the present invention is applied (a series of processes described above) will be described later.

  A configuration example of each of the stationary information processing device 1, the USB peripheral device 2, and the portable information processing device 3 configuring such an information processing system is shown in each of FIGS. . Therefore, hereinafter, each configuration example of the stationary information processing device 1, the USB peripheral device 2, and the portable information processing device 3 will be described in that order with reference to each of FIGS. .

  First, a configuration example of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example when the stationary information processing apparatus 1 is configured as a personal computer.

  In the stationary information processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 is loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53 from a program recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52 or a storage unit 58. Various processes are executed according to the program. The RAM 53 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 51 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 are connected to each other via a bus 54. An input / output interface 55 is also connected to the bus 54.

  The input / output interface 55 includes an input unit 56 such as a keyboard and a mouse, an output unit 57 composed of a display, a storage unit 58 composed of a hard disk, and a communication unit 59 composed of a modem, a terminal adapter, etc. It is connected.

  The communication unit 59 performs communication processing with other information processing apparatuses (not shown) via a network (not shown) including the Internet. For example, when content data is distributed from a content (music etc.) distribution server existing on the Internet, the communication unit 59 can receive the content data and provide it to the storage unit 58 or the like. That is, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 can download content data distributed from the content distribution server and store it in the storage unit 58 or the like.

  A drive 60 is connected to the input / output interface 55 as necessary, and a removable recording medium 61 made of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately installed, and a computer program read from them is read. Are installed in the storage unit 58 as necessary.

  The above-described USB interface 11 is further connected to the input / output interface 55. That is, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 has a USB host function and can communicate with the USB peripheral device 2 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 described later) connected to the USB interface 11. Further, as shown in FIG. 1 described above, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 can supply power to the USB peripheral device 2 connected to the USB interface 11.

  In FIG. 2, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 is configured as a personal computer, but the form is not limited to the example of FIG. 2 as long as the form has a USB host function. Specifically, for example, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 can be configured as a stationary audio device, a stationary television receiver, a stationary hard disk recorder, or the like.

  Next, a configuration example of the USB peripheral device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example when the USB peripheral device 2 is configured as a USB semiconductor storage device (so-called semiconductor memory).

  In FIG. 3, white arrows indicate the flow of power, and solid arrows indicate the flow of information.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the USB peripheral device 2 includes, in addition to the USB interface 21 described above, an information processing device that is a connection destination (in the example of FIG. 1, the stationary information processing device 1 or the portable information processing device 3). The control part 81 and the memory | storage part 82 which operate | move with the electric power supplied from are provided.

  The control unit 81 controls the entire USB peripheral device 2. That is, the control unit 81 controls, for example, communication with a connection destination information processing apparatus.

  Specifically, for example, when the connection destination is the stationary information processing apparatus 1 (when the USB peripheral device 2 is attached to the stationary information processing apparatus 1), the control unit 81 The data (such as music content data) supplied from is received via the USB interface 21 and stored in the storage unit 82.

  Thereafter, for example, when the USB peripheral device 2 is attached to the portable information processing device 3 (when the connection destination is the portable information processing device 3), the control unit 81 includes the data stored in the storage unit 82. The predetermined data is read out from the computer and transmitted to the portable information processing device 3 via the USB interface 21.

  Further, for example, the control unit 81 is held by itself or the storage unit 82 based on an instruction from the information processing apparatus (the stationary information processing apparatus 1 or the portable information processing apparatus 3) as a connection destination. Control is performed to transmit information (self-profile information, which will be described later) to the information processing apparatus of the connection destination via the USB interface 21.

  Further, for example, the control unit 81 controls (manages) the state (mode) of the USB peripheral device 2.

  Here, the state (mode) of the USB peripheral device 2 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the USB peripheral device 2 is provided with a normal mode in use and a suspend mode in use stop.

  The transition from the normal mode to the suspend mode and the transition from the suspend mode to the normal mode are executed when predetermined conditions (hereinafter referred to as transition conditions) are satisfied.

  For example, when the USB peripheral device 2 is attached to the portable information processing device 3 and the state of the portable information processing device 3 transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or the state of the portable information processing device 3 is the use state Even when communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is not necessary (when the portable information processing device 3 makes such a determination), the portable information processing device 3 instructs the suspend mode (hereinafter, referred to as a suspend mode). (Referred to as a suspend command) is transmitted to the USB peripheral device 2.

  Therefore, when the control unit 81 of the USB peripheral device 2 receives this suspend command via the USB interface 21, it determines that the transition condition from the normal mode to the suspend mode is satisfied, and changes the mode from the normal mode to the suspend mode. Transition to (switch).

  Thereby, when the state of the portable information processing device 3 is in the use stop state, or even when the state is the use state, communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is not required, it is supplied to the USB peripheral device 2. The power to be generated is less than the conventional power (power when the USB peripheral device 2 is operating in the normal mode) or is cut off. Therefore, it is possible to achieve an effect of reducing power consumption on the portable information processing device 3 side.

  Thereafter, when the state of the portable information processing device 3 transitions from the use stop state to the use state, or the state of the portable information processing device 3 is in the use state, and communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is required. Time (when the portable information processing device 3 makes such a determination), the portable information processing device 3 transmits a command (hereinafter referred to as a wake-up command) to return (transition) to the normal mode to the USB peripheral device 2. Come on.

  Therefore, when receiving the wake-up command via the USB interface 21, the control unit 81 determines that the condition for transition from the suspend mode to the normal mode is satisfied, and transitions the mode from the suspend mode to the normal mode ( Switch).

  Details of such a series of processing will be described later with reference to flowcharts and arrow charts in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the storage unit 82 is configured as a semiconductor memory element, for example, and stores data or the like provided from a connection information processing apparatus (for example, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 in the above-described example). Specifically, for example, when the portable information processing device 3 is configured as a portable audio playback device as shown in FIG. 5 to be described later, voice and music data provided from the stationary information processing device 1 or the like Is stored in the storage unit 82. It should be noted that such voice and music data may be data (compressed data) encoded by the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method or the like so that a large number of such data can be stored in the storage unit 82.

  In FIG. 3, the USB peripheral device 2 is configured as a USB semiconductor storage device, but the form is not limited to the example in FIG. 3 and can take various forms. However, in order to enjoy the effect of the present invention (power saving effect on the portable information processing device 3 side), it is preferable to provide the above-described suspend mode as the state (mode).

  Next, a configuration example of the portable information processing device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example when the portable information processing device 3 is configured as a portable audio playback device.

  Similar to FIG. 3 described above, also in FIG. 4, white arrows indicate the flow of power, and solid arrows indicate the flow of information.

  In the portable information processing device 3 of FIG. 4, the USB communication control unit 101 has a USB host function. That is, the USB communication control unit 101 controls communication with the USB peripheral device 2 (FIGS. 1 and 3) connected to the USB interface 31 based on the control of the main control unit 102.

  More specifically, for example, the USB peripheral device 2 is configured as a USB semiconductor storage device as shown in FIG. 3 described above, and a plurality of (songs of music and music data encoded in MPEG format) ) I remember it.

  In this case, for example, when the USB peripheral device 2 is connected (attached) to a predetermined one (not shown) of the hubs of the USB interface 31, the USB communication control unit 101 recognizes the hub.

  Then, the USB communication control unit 101 recognizes the USB peripheral device 2 connected to the hub (since it is still unclear what the USB device 2 is), the USB peripheral device 2 The self-profile information, that is, an acquisition request such as PID (product ID) or VID (vendor ID) is issued and transmitted to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 31.

  Then, since the self-profile information is transmitted from the USB peripheral device 2, the USB communication control unit 101 acquires (receives) the self-profile information via the USB interface 31 and recognizes the USB peripheral device 2.

  The series of recognition processes of the USB communication control unit 101 as described above will be appropriately referred to as enumeration processes hereinafter.

  Further, the USB communication control unit 101, for example, when a user gives an instruction to play a predetermined song (a block for inputting an instruction from the user is not shown), Then, the data of the music instructed to be reproduced, the data of the related information of the music, etc. are acquired (received) via the USB interface 31 and provided to the main control unit 102.

  The USB communication control unit 101 further supplies (relays) the power supplied from the power supply unit 109 to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 31.

  The main control unit 102 controls the entire portable information processing device 3. That is, the main control unit 102 is provided with a built-in memory 110 composed of ROM, RAM, etc., and the main control unit 102 (a CPU (not shown) provided therein) is recorded in the built-in memory 110. Various processes are executed according to the program.

  For example, as described above, when playback of a predetermined music is instructed by the user (a block for inputting an instruction from the user is not shown), playback is performed from the data stored in the USB peripheral device 2. Instructed music data is transferred via the USB interface 31 and the USB communication control unit 101. Therefore, the main control unit 102 sequentially acquires the data of the music and accumulates (stores) it in an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 103. When data of a predetermined data amount (hereinafter referred to as a specified data amount) is accumulated, the main control unit 102 reads out the data accumulated in the SRAM 103 and supplies it to the decoding unit 105.

  At this time, the main control unit 102 determines whether or not communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is necessary. Then, when the state of the portable information processing device 3 itself changes from the use state to the use suspension state (for example, so-called suspend mode), or the state of the portable information processing device 3 itself is the use state, When determining that communication with the device 2 is not necessary, the main control unit 102 performs first control for shifting the state of the USB peripheral device 2 to the suspend mode (usage stop state), and a power supply unit 109 described later. At least one of the second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the USB peripheral device 2 to the USB peripheral device 2 (in the present embodiment, any control is executed).

  The first control is, for example, control for the USB communication control unit 101 and refers to control for transmitting the above-described suspend command to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 31. The second control is, for example, control for the voltage setting unit 108 described later, and control for setting the voltage setting value of power supplied from the power supply unit 109 to the USB peripheral device 2 to 0 [V]. Point to.

  Further, when the state of the portable information processing device 3 transitions from the use stop state to the use state, or when the state of the portable information processing device 3 itself is in the use state and communicates with the USB peripheral device 2 A third control for transitioning the state of the USB peripheral device 3 to the use state, and a fourth control for permitting the supply of power from the power supply unit 109 to the USB peripheral device 2. Execute.

  The third control is, for example, control for the USB communication control unit 101 and refers to control for transmitting the above-described wakeup command to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 31. The fourth control is, for example, a control for the voltage setting unit 108 and a control for setting the voltage setting value of the power supplied from the power supply unit 109 to the USB peripheral device 2 to 5 [V]. .

  Also, the processing method of the determination processing for determining whether or not communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is necessary is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the following method is used. That is, the main control unit 102 does not need to communicate with the USB peripheral device 2 when all the necessary data is recorded in the SRAM 103 (for example, when the data for the specified data amount described above is recorded). Is determined. On the other hand, when at least part of the necessary data is not yet stored in the SRAM 102 (for example, when the data is being accumulated in the SRAM 103 and the accumulated amount is less than the prescribed data amount) Alternatively, after data for the prescribed data amount is stored, the data is released to the decoding unit 105 or the like), and it is determined that communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is necessary. .

  As a result of the above-described series of processing, even when the portable information processing device 3 is in the use state, if communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is not required, the power supplied to the USB peripheral device 2 is the conventional power. Compared to (power when the USB peripheral device 2 is operating in the normal mode) or less, it is cut off. Therefore, it is possible to achieve an effect of reducing power consumption on the portable information processing device 3 side.

  Details of such a series of processing will be described later.

  In addition to the USB communication control unit 101 described above, the main control unit 102 is connected to the SRAM 103, the EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 104, the decoding unit 105, the voltage setting unit 108, and the power A supply unit 109 is connected.

  The SRAM 103 stores the audio and music data (data encoded by the MPEG system) provided from the USB peripheral device 2 by, for example, the specified data amount described above. On the other hand, the EEPROM 104 stores information (data) indicating the state (playback state) of the portable information processing device 3, for example, information on the currently played music, information on the output volume (volume), and the like. As will be described later, the EEPROM 104 may store a setting value of the output voltage of the power supply unit 109 (a voltage setting value for the USB peripheral device 2 set by the voltage setting unit 108).

  The decoding unit 105 decodes audio and music data (data encoded by the MPEG system) supplied from the SRAM 103 via the main control unit 102, and converts it into an A / D conversion unit (Analog / Digital conversion) as a digital audio signal. Part) 106.

  When audio or music data (data encoded by the MPEG system) is released from the SRAM 103 to execute such processing of the decoding unit 105, the main control unit 102, as described above, It is determined that communication with the peripheral device 2 is necessary, and the third control for changing the state of the USB peripheral device 3 to the use state and the power supply from the power supply unit 109 to the USB peripheral device 2 are permitted. 4 control is executed. As a result of the third control and the fourth control, communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is resumed, and audio and music data (data encoded by the MPEG system) to be decoded next are stored in the USB. The data is transferred from the peripheral device 2 to the portable information processing device 3 by a specified amount of data and stored (stored) in the SRAM 103.

  The A / D conversion unit 106 converts the digital audio signal supplied from the decoding unit 105 into an analog audio signal and supplies the analog audio signal to the audio output unit 107.

  The audio output unit 107 is configured as a speaker, a headphone terminal, or the like (or configured as a combination thereof). When the audio output unit 107 is configured as a speaker, the audio output unit 107 converts the analog audio signal supplied from the A / D conversion unit 106 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside. On the other hand, when the audio output unit 107 is configured as a headphone terminal, the audio output unit 107 outputs an analog audio signal supplied from the A / D conversion unit 106 to headphones connected thereto.

  The voltage setting unit 108 sets the voltage of the power supplied from the power supply unit 109 and supplies the setting result (voltage setting value) to the main control unit 102. The main control unit 102 supplies the voltage setting value supplied from the voltage setting unit 108 to the power supply unit 109.

  Then, the power supply unit 109 uses the battery 111 attached to the portable information processing device 3 as an input power supply, and the voltage (voltage) set by the voltage setting unit 108 for each part of the portable information processing device 3. Power is supplied at a voltage of a voltage setting value supplied from the setting unit 108 via the main control unit 102. The battery 111 referred to here refers to a broad battery including a so-called dry battery and a rechargeable battery.

  In FIG. 4, the portable information processing device 3 is configured as a portable audio playback device. However, the portable information processing device (terminal) has a USB host function and can execute power supply processing described later. If so, the form is not limited to the example of FIG. Specifically, for example, the portable information processing apparatus 3 can be configured as a portable audio recording / playback apparatus capable of recording, or can be configured as a portable video playback apparatus or recording / playback apparatus. Alternatively, the portable information processing device 3 can be configured by a portable telephone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or the like.

  The information processing system according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to FIGS.

  Next, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 to 9 and the arrow charts of FIGS. 10 to 12, the USB peripheral device 2 (FIG. 1) of the operation of the information processing system (FIG. 1) of this embodiment is described. And FIG. 3) will be described when the stationary information processing apparatus 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2) or the portable information processing apparatus 3 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is mounted.

  5 and 6 show processing of the stationary processing apparatus 1 for the USB peripheral device 2. 7 and 8 show processing of the portable information processing device 3 for the USB peripheral device 2. FIG. 9 illustrates processing of the USB peripheral device 2 (processing on the USB peripheral device 2 side corresponding to the processing of FIGS. 5 and 6 and the processing of FIGS. 7 and 8).

  Therefore, hereinafter, the respective processes of the stationary information processing device 1, the portable information processing device 3, and the USB peripheral device 2 will be individually described in the order with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. I will do it. Note that the mutual processing relationship between these devices can be easily understood by referring to the corresponding steps in any of the arrow charts of FIGS.

  First, the process for the USB peripheral device 2 of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 51 of FIG. 2 determines whether or not the USB peripheral device 2 is attached (to the USB interface 11).

  If it is determined in step S1 that the USB peripheral device 2 is not attached, the process returns to step S1, and it is determined again whether or not the USB peripheral device 2 is attached. That is, the CPU 51 constantly monitors whether the USB peripheral device 2 is connected (attached) to the USB interface 11.

  Thereafter, for example, when the USB peripheral device 2 having the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is connected (attached) to the USB interface 11 of the stationary information processing apparatus 1, the CPU 51 determines in step S1 that the USB peripheral device is attached. Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S <b> 2, the CPU 51 sets the voltage for the USB peripheral device 2 (voltage setting value of power supplied to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 11) to 5 [V].

  As a result, a power supply unit (not shown) of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 starts supplying power to the USB peripheral device 2 at 5 [V].

  In step S3, the CPU 51 executes enumeration processing.

  That is, the CPU 51 executes an enumeration process with its own USB interface 11 (a hub unit (not shown)) (acquires self profile information of the hub unit). Then, the CPU 51 executes an emulation process with the USB peripheral device 2. That is, at this time, as will be described later, since the USB peripheral device 2 transmits the self profile information (step S61 in FIGS. 9 and 10), the CPU 51 transmits the self profile information via the USB interface 11. get.

  In step S4, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the use of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself has been instructed.

  If it is determined in step S4 that use of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself has not been instructed to stop, the CPU 51 determines whether or not communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is necessary in step S5.

  If it is determined in step S5 that communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is unnecessary (not required), the process returns to step S4, and the subsequent processes are repeated. That is, when the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself is in use, but communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is not necessary, the CPU 51 performs steps S4 and S4 until communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is necessary. The loop process of S5 is repeated.

  When communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is required (when it is determined in step S5 that communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is required), the CPU 51 performs communication with the USB peripheral device 2 in step S6. In step S7, it is determined whether or not communication has been normally performed.

  When it is determined in step S7 that the communication has failed (when it is determined that the communication has not been normally performed), the CPU 51 executes a predetermined error process in step S8 and ends the process for the USB peripheral device 2. Let

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S7 that the communication has been normally performed, the process returns to step S4, and the subsequent processes are repeated. In other words, as long as the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself is in use and communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is normally performed, the loop processing of steps S4 to S7 is repeatedly executed.

  What should be noted here is that the power supply of 5 [V] is constantly being supplied to the USB peripheral device 2 during this period, that is, while the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself is in use. It is. Therefore, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 (in other words, the conventional information processing apparatus) achieves the power saving effect of the present invention, that is, the power saving effect when the state of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself is in use. It is not possible.

  Thereafter, when an instruction to stop the use of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself is given, such as an instruction for a so-called suspend mode (when it is determined in step S4 that the use of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself is instructed to be stopped), When the state of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 transitions from the use state to the use stop state, the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG.

  In step S9, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the USB peripheral device 2 is in the suspend mode.

  If it is determined in step S <b> 9 that the USB peripheral device 2 is not in the suspend mode, the CPU 51 transmits a suspend command to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 11.

  Then, as will be described later, the USB peripheral device 2 changes its state (mode) from the normal mode to the suspend mode (steps S62 (YES) and S63 in FIGS. 9 and 10).

  In step S11, the CPU 51 sets the voltage for the USB peripheral device 2 to 0 [V]. That is, the power supply from the stationary information processing device 1 to the USB peripheral device 2 is cut off.

  In step S12, the CPU 51 determines whether or not an instruction to end the process of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself has been issued. Note that the determination method in the determination process of step S12 is not particularly limited, but here, for example, when the power state of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 is changed from the on state to the off state, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself It is assumed that a technique for determining that the end of processing has been instructed is applied.

  In step S12, if it is determined that the end of the process of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself has been instructed, the process for the USB peripheral device 2 ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the process of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself has not been instructed yet, that is, here, the power state of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 remains on. In step S13, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the suspension of use of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself (such as the suspend mode) has been released.

  If it is determined in step S13 that the suspension of use of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself has not been released, the process returns to step S12, and the subsequent processes are repeated. That is, the loop processing of steps S12 and S13 is repeatedly executed until the suspension of use of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself is released (provided that the power state of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 is not turned off).

  When the suspension of use of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself is released (when it is determined in step S13 that the suspension of use of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself has been released), that is, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 When the state transitions from the use stop state to the use state, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S <b> 14, the CPU 51 transmits a wake-up command to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 11.

  Then, as will be described later, the USB peripheral device 2 changes its state (mode) from the suspend mode to the normal mode (steps S64 (YES) and S65 in FIG. 9).

  In step S15, the CPU 51 sets the voltage for the USB peripheral device 2 to 5 [V]. That is, the power supply from the stationary information processing device 1 to the USB peripheral device 2 is restored.

  Thereafter, the process returns to step S4 in FIG. 5, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the processing when the portable information processing device 3 is mounted with the USB peripheral device will be described.

  First, in step S21, the main control unit 102 in FIG. 4 controls the USB communication control unit 101 to determine whether or not the USB peripheral device 2 is attached (to the USB interface 31).

  If it is determined in step S21 that the USB peripheral device 2 is not attached, the process returns to step S21, and it is determined again whether or not the USB peripheral device 2 is attached. That is, the main control unit 102 constantly monitors whether the USB peripheral device 2 is connected (attached) to the USB interface 31.

  Thereafter, for example, when the USB peripheral device 2 having the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is connected (attached) to the USB interface 31 of the portable information processing device 3, the main control unit 102 attaches the USB peripheral device 2 in step S21. The process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S <b> 22, the main control unit 102 controls the voltage setting unit 108 to set the voltage for the USB peripheral device 2 (the voltage setting value of the power supplied from the power supply unit 109 to the USB peripheral device 2) to 5 [V. ] Is set.

  As a result, the power supply unit 109 starts feeding the USB peripheral device 2 at 5 [V].

  In step S23, the main control unit 102 controls the USB communication control unit 101 to execute an enumeration process.

  That is, the main control unit 102 executes enumeration processing with its own USB interface 31 (a hub unit not shown) (acquires self profile information of the hub unit). Then, the main control unit 102 executes an enumeration process with the USB peripheral device 2. That is, at this time, as will be described later, since the USB peripheral device 2 transmits the self profile information (step S61 in FIGS. 9 and 11), the main control unit 102 transmits the self profile information to the USB interface 31. To get through.

  In step S24, the main control unit 102 determines whether or not the use of the portable information processing device 3 itself has been instructed.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the use of the portable information processing device 3 itself has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S35 in FIG.

  The processes shown in FIG. 8 (each of steps S35 to S41) are basically the same as the processes shown in FIG. 6 (each of steps S9 to S15) of the processes of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 described above. It is processing of. That is, processing for the USB peripheral device 2 when the state of the portable information processing device 3 transitions from the use state to the use suspension state, and the state of the portable information processing device 3 returns from the use suspension state to the use state (transition). The processing for the USB peripheral device 2 at this time is basically the same processing as the corresponding processing of the stationary information processing device 1 described above. Therefore, description of these processes (steps S35 to S41) is omitted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the use of the portable information processing device 3 itself has not been instructed, the main control unit 102 needs to communicate with the USB peripheral device 2 in step S25. It is determined whether or not.

  Here, at the time of the process of step S25, the main control unit 102 confirms whether or not all necessary data (for example, data for a specified amount of data) is recorded in the SRAM 103, and as described above, If all necessary data is recorded, it is determined that communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is unnecessary. On the other hand, the main control unit 102, when at least a part of the data necessary for the SRAM 102 is not yet stored (for example, while the data is being accumulated in the SRAM 102, the accumulated amount is If the amount of data is less than the prescribed data amount, or if data is released to the decoding unit 105 after the data for the prescribed data amount has been accumulated), it is determined that communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is necessary. .

  If it is determined in step S25 that communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is necessary, the main control unit 102 determines whether or not the USB peripheral device 2 is in the suspend mode in step S26.

  If it is determined in step S26 that the USB peripheral device 2 is in the suspend mode, the processes in steps S27 and S28 are executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that the USB peripheral device 2 is not in the suspend mode (normal mode), the processing proceeds to step S29 without executing the processing in steps S27 and S28.

  The processes in steps S27 and S28 will be described later.

  In step S29, the main control unit 102 controls the USB communication control unit 101 to perform communication with the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 31. In step S30, the main control unit 102 determines whether communication has been normally performed. judge.

  If it is determined in step S30 that communication has failed (when it is determined that communication has not been performed normally), the main control unit 102 executes predetermined error processing in step S34 to End the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the communication has been normally performed, the process returns to step S24, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  That is, after the communication is normally performed (after such determination is made in step S30), when the state of the portable information processing device 3 itself is kept in use (in step S24, the portable information When it is determined that the use of the processing device 3 is not instructed to stop (when it is determined that the required amount of data has been stored in the SRAM 103 at that time) In step S25, it is determined that communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is unnecessary (not a necessary state), and the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, the main control unit 102 determines whether or not the USB peripheral device 2 is in the suspend mode.

  In this case, since the state (mode) of the USB peripheral device 2 remains in the normal mode, the main control unit 102 determines in step S31 that the USB peripheral device 2 is not in the suspend mode, and in step S32, the USB peripheral device 2 The communication control unit 101 is controlled to send a suspend command to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 31.

  Then, as will be described later, the USB peripheral device 2 changes its state (mode) from the normal mode to the suspend mode (steps S62 (YES) and S63 in FIGS. 9 and 11).

  Further, in step S33, the main control unit 102 controls the voltage setting unit 108 to set the voltage for the USB peripheral device 2 to 0 [V]. That is, the power supply from the power supply unit 108 to the USB peripheral device 2 is cut off.

  Thereafter, the process returns to step S24, and the subsequent processes are repeated. That is, in this case, while the state of the portable information processing device 3 is in use and communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is unnecessary (until data is released from the SRAM 103 to the decoding unit 105, etc.) The loop process of steps S24 (NO), S25 (NO), and S31 (YES) is repeatedly executed.

  What should be noted here is that power supply to the USB peripheral device 2 is prohibited during this period, that is, while the state of the portable information processing device 3 itself is in use and communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is unnecessary. It is a point that is blocked. Accordingly, during this time, the power consumption of the portable information processing device 3 is consumed during the corresponding period of the stationary information processing device 1 (conventional information processing device) (that is, during the loop processing of steps S4 and S5 in FIG. 5). Significantly lower than power. In other words, during this time, the portable information processing device 3 can achieve significant power saving.

  After that, when data is released from the SRAM 103 to the decoding unit 105 or the like, it is determined in step S25 that communication with the USB peripheral device 2 is necessary. In step S26, the USB peripheral device 2 is determined. Are determined to be in the suspend mode, the processes of steps S27 and S28 are executed.

  In step S <b> 27, the main control unit 102 controls the USB communication control unit 101 to transmit a wake-up command to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 31.

  Then, as will be described later, the USB peripheral device 2 changes its state (mode) from the suspend mode to the normal mode (steps S64 (YES) and S65 in FIGS. 9 and 12).

  Next, in step S28, the main control unit 102 sets the voltage for the USB peripheral device 2 to 5 [V]. That is, the power supply from the power supply unit 109 to the USB peripheral device 2 is restored.

  In step S29, the main control unit 102 controls the USB communication control unit 101 to resume communication with the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 31, and repeats the subsequent processing.

  The processing for the USB peripheral device 2 of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, and then the USB peripheral of the portable information processing apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The processing for the device 2 has been described.

  Next, processing of the USB peripheral device 2 corresponding to these processes (the processes of FIGS. 5 and 6 or the processes of FIGS. 7 and 8) will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, the USB peripheral device 2 is connected to the information processing device (in the example of FIG. 1, the stationary information processing device 1 or the portable information processing device 3), and the state (mode) is also in the initial state. It is assumed that the transition has already been made.

  First, in step 61, the control unit 81 in FIG. 3 executes an enumeration process with the information processing apparatus that is the connection destination (transmits self-profile information to the information processing apparatus that is the connection destination).

  In step S62, the control unit 81 determines whether or not a suspend command has been received.

  If it is determined in step S62 that the suspend command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S66. The processing after step S66 will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the suspend command is acquired via the USB interface 21 (when it is determined in step S62 that the suspend command is received), the control unit 81 switches to the suspend mode in step S63 (from the normal mode). Transition to suspend mode).

  In step S64, the control unit 81 determines whether or not a wake-up command has been received.

  If it is determined in step S64 that a wakeup command has not been received, the process returns to step S64, and it is determined again whether or not a wakeup command has been received. That is, until the wakeup command is transmitted, the process of step S64 is repeatedly executed, and the state (mode) of the USB peripheral device 2 is maintained in the suspend mode.

  Thereafter, when the wakeup command is transmitted from the information processing apparatus of the connection destination and received via the USB interface 21 (when it is determined in step S64 that the wakeup command has been received), the control unit 81 in step S65. , Switch to normal mode (transition from suspend mode to normal mode).

  In step S66, the control unit 81 determines whether or not communication with the information processing apparatus as the connection destination has started.

  When it is determined in step S66 that communication with the connection destination information processing apparatus has started, the control unit 81 performs communication with the connection destination information processing apparatus via the USB interface 21 in step S67. Proceed to step S68.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S66 that communication with the information processing apparatus of the connection destination has not been started, the process (communication process) in step S67 is not executed, and the process proceeds to step S68. .

  In step S68, the control unit 81 determines whether or not an instruction to end the process is given.

  If it is determined in step S68 that the process has not been instructed yet, the process returns to step S62, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S68 that the process has been instructed, the process ends.

  By the way, when the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the recording medium is distributed to distribute the program to the user separately from the main body of the apparatus, and includes a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk) on which the program is recorded, an optical disk, and the like. Consists of a removable recording medium 61 composed of a disc (including compact disk-read only memory (DVD-ROM), DVD (digital versatile disk)), a magneto-optical disk (including MD (mini-disk)), or a semiconductor memory. In addition, the program is stored in the ROM 52 (FIG. 2) and the built-in memory (the built-in memory 110 in FIG. 4 and the control unit 81 in FIG. It includes a built-in memory (not shown) and a hard disk included in the storage unit 58 (FIG. 2).

  The series of processes described above may be executed by hardware as needed.

  Further, in the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but may be performed in parallel or It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the information processing system to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the stationary information processing apparatus of the information processing system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the USB peripheral device of the information processing system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the portable information processing apparatus of the information processing system of FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example for a USB peripheral device 2 (FIG. 3) of a stationary information processing device (FIG. 2) of the information processing system of FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example for a USB peripheral device 2 (FIG. 3) of a stationary information processing device (FIG. 2) of the information processing system of FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example for the USB peripheral device 2 (FIG. 3) of the portable information processing device (FIG. 4) of the information processing system of FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example for the USB peripheral device 2 (FIG. 3) of the portable information processing device (FIG. 4) of the information processing system of FIG. In the information processing system of FIG. 1, the processing of the stationary information processing device (FIG. 2) (the processing of FIGS. 5 and 6) and the processing of the portable information processing device (FIG. 4) (the processing of FIGS. 7 and 8). 6 is a flowchart for explaining a corresponding processing example of the USB peripheral device 2. It is an arrow chart explaining the relationship of the process of a stationary information processing apparatus (FIG. 2) and the USB peripheral device 2 (FIG. 3). It is an arrow chart explaining the relationship of a process with a portable information processing apparatus (FIG. 4) and the USB peripheral device 2 (FIG. 3). It is an arrow chart explaining the relationship of a process with a portable information processing apparatus (FIG. 4) and the USB peripheral device 2 (FIG. 3).

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stationary information processing apparatus, 2 USB peripheral device, 3 Portable information processing apparatus, 11, 21, 31 USB interface, 81 Control part 81 Memory | storage part, 101 USB communication control part, 102 Main control part, 103 SRAM, 104 EEPROM , 105 decoding unit, 106 A / D conversion unit, 107 audio output unit, 108 voltage setting unit, 109 power supply unit, 110 built-in memory

Claims (11)

In an information processing system in which an information processing device and its expansion device are connected to each other via USB (Universal Serial Bus),
The information processing apparatus includes:
First communication means for communicating with the extension device connected by the USB;
Power supply means for supplying power to the expansion device connected by the USB;
Determining means for determining whether or not communication with the expansion device by the first communication means is necessary;
When the state of the information processing apparatus itself transitions from a use state to a use stop state, or the state of the information processing apparatus itself is the use state, and the determination unit performs the first communication unit When it is determined that communication with the expansion device is unnecessary, a first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to a disabled state and a supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device are prohibited. Control means for executing at least one of the two controls, and
The expansion device is
Second communication means for communicating with the information processing apparatus connected by the USB using the power supplied from the power supply means of the information processing apparatus;
An information processing system comprising: a transition unit that transitions the state of the expansion device to a use suspension state based on the first control of the control unit of the information processing device. An information processing method of an information processing system in which an information processing device and its extension device are connected to each other by USB (Universal Serial Bus), wherein the information processing device communicates with the extension device connected by the USB First communication means for performing power supply and power supply means for supplying power to the expansion device connected via USB, wherein the expansion device is supplied from the power supply means of the information processing device In the information processing method, comprising: a second communication unit that communicates with the information processing apparatus connected by the USB using power,
A determination step of determining whether or not the information processing device needs to communicate with the expansion device by the first communication unit;
When the information processing apparatus transitions from its use state to a use stop state, or when its own state is the use state, and the processing of the determination step causes the first communication means When it is determined that communication with the expansion device is not required by the first control, the first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to the disabled state and the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device are prohibited A control step for executing at least one of the second control and
The expansion device includes a transition step of transitioning its own state to a disabled state based on the first control executed by the processing of the control step of the information processing device. Processing method. In an information processing device having a USB (Universal Serial Bus) host function,
A communication means for communicating with the expansion device connected by the USB;
Power supply means for supplying power to the expansion device connected by the USB;
Determination means for determining whether communication with the expansion device by the communication means is necessary;
When the state of the information processing apparatus itself transitions from a use state to a use stop state, or when the state of the information processing apparatus itself is the use state, and the determination unit performs the expansion device by the communication unit And a second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device when it is determined that communication with the expansion device is unnecessary. An information processing apparatus comprising: control means for executing at least one of control. When the state of the information processing apparatus itself transitions from the use stop state to the use state, or the state of the information processing apparatus itself is the use state, and the determination unit performs the control unit When it is determined that communication with the expansion device by the communication unit is necessary, third control for changing the state of the expansion device to a use state, and supply of power from the power supply unit to the expansion device are performed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further executing a fourth control to be permitted. And further comprising storage means for storing data transferred from the expansion device to the information processing device itself by communication of the communication means with the expansion device,
The determination unit determines that communication with the expansion device by the communication unit is unnecessary when all of the necessary data is stored in the storage unit, and out of the data necessary for the storage unit The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least part of the information processing apparatus determines that communication with the expansion device by the communication unit is necessary when at least a part is not yet stored. A communication unit that has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) host function and communicates with the USB-connected expansion device; and a power supply unit that supplies power to the USB-connected expansion device In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus comprising:
A determination step of determining whether communication with the expansion device by the communication means is necessary;
When the state of the information processing apparatus itself transitions from a use state to a use suspension state, or the state of the information processing apparatus itself is the use state, and in the process of the determination step, the communication means When it is determined that communication with the expansion device is unnecessary, a first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to a disabled state and a supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device are prohibited. And a control step of executing at least one of the two controls. A communication unit that has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) host function and communicates with the USB-connected expansion device; and a power supply unit that supplies power to the USB-connected expansion device A program for causing a computer that controls a main device to be executed,
A determination step of determining whether communication with the expansion device by the communication means is necessary;
When the state of the main device transitions from the use state to the use stop state, or the state of the main device is the use state, and in the process of the determination step, A first control for transitioning the state of the expansion device to a disabled state when it is determined that communication is unnecessary, and a second control for prohibiting the supply of power from the power supply means to the expansion device; And a control step for causing the main apparatus to execute at least one of the program. In an information processing device connected as an expansion device to another information processing device having a USB (Universal Serial Bus) host function,
Communication means for communicating with the other information processing apparatus using power supplied from the other information processing apparatus connected by the USB;
When the state of the other information processing apparatus transitions from a use state to a use suspension state, or when the state of the other information processing apparatus is the use state and communication with the information processing apparatus itself is performed Transition means for transitioning the state of the information processing apparatus itself to a use stop state based on control executed by the other information processing apparatus when it is determined that the information processing is unnecessary. apparatus. The transition means is further configured such that when the state of the other information processing apparatus transitions from the use suspension state to the use state, or the state of the other information processing apparatus is the use state, and The state of the information processing apparatus itself is changed to a use state based on control executed by the other information processing apparatus when it is determined that communication with the information processing apparatus itself is necessary. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8. The other information processing apparatus connected to the other information processing apparatus having a USB (Universal Serial Bus) host function via the USB and using the power supplied from the other information processing apparatus via the USB. In the information processing method of the information processing apparatus that performs communication via the USB,
When the state of the other information processing apparatus transitions from a use state to a use suspension state, or when the state of the other information processing apparatus is the use state and communication with the information processing apparatus itself is performed An information processing method comprising: a transition step of transitioning the state of the information processing apparatus itself to a use stop state based on a control executed by the other information processing apparatus when it is determined that it is unnecessary . Connected to the main device having a USB (Universal Serial Bus) host function via the USB, and communicates with the main device via the USB using the power supplied from the main device via the USB. A program for controlling an expansion unit,
When the state of the main device transitions from a use state to a use stop state, or when it is determined that the state of the main device is the use state and communication with the expansion device is unnecessary And a transition step of transitioning the state of the expansion device to a use stop state based on control executed by the main device.

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